Chapter 9 - Ripples of 'In the Name of the Devil'

What is the director's job in a movie?

It is to direct the film. In other words, the director controls the whole set, bringing the script into one video. 

Many say that the quality of the theater depends on the actor, soap opera depends on the writer, and movies rely on the director. As such, the quality of a film gets highly affected by the director's capacity. 

"Amazing… The emotions are very well displayed, even after I rewatch it." 

Director Go Yo-han, who is in charge of 'In the Name of the Devil,' was impressed by the actors' incredible performances while he did the final editing of the movie. 

He found it difficult to decide which scenes to leave out of the movie’s final cut, as they were all worth keeping. 

However, Go Yo-han had one actor in mind who had stood out during the audition. 

Song Kyu-ha.

He had been the unanimous choice to play Jung Won-geun due to his perfect acting. 

Director Go Yoh-han experienced something strange while working with him. 

He had been in this industry for ten years, working as an assistant before his big break, and had met numerous actors. He had learned that although their actions may be different, they were similar in tone.

For example, Cha Kyung-seok, the top actor, earned fame by proving his acting talent. 

But for Kyu-ha, he had to ask himself repeatedly, 'Is that truly acting?’

Usually, when someone sees a fantastic performance, they react with, "Wow, that was amazing acting." But for Kyu-ha, it was so terrifying that he thought, 'that is freaking creepy,' 'he really can kill someone,' or 'what if he's genuinely insane?'.

Kyu-ha had a plain and innocent face which only heightened the eerie feeling. 

Each time they filmed Jung Won-geun killing someone during the movie’s shooting, the actors playing his counterparts kept sweating even after the OK sign, or they hurriedly left the scene with shaky hands and without looking Kyu-ha in the eye. 

 

It made Go Yo-han think, 'What if he is actually a killer?'.

"Haha! I've gone too far."

Director Go Yo-han shook his head, putting away the ridiculous thoughts that made him laugh.

"But I'm certain there is something special about him."

Regardless of his worries, as a director, he was grateful that Kyu-ha had made the character lively and dynamic. 

Go Yo-han attempted to concentrate on editing once more to finish the project in time for its August release. 

***

Time passed, and the premiere day of 'In the Name of the Devil' came. 

The film drew media attention because it was director Go Yo-han's first commercial film after establishing a reputation in the independent film industry, and actor Cha Kyung-seok was returning after a three-year hiatus. 

There were also concerns that Director Go Yo-han's film had not yet been verified for the commercial sector and that Cha Kyung-seok had lost his acting skill after resting for that long. 

Yongsan I'Park Mall GCV

Quite a few box office premieres were held in this place, and it was the venue for the premiere of 'In the Name of the Devil.'

Renowned directors, representatives of film production houses, investment agencies, and famous actors from the film industry filled the room. 

The film’s actors were allowed to invite guests, and Kyu-ha brought along CEO Seol Woo-don and his former colleagues. 

"Wow, Kyu-ha, you must be so successful!" 

Kim Chul-chun, who had worked next to Kyu-ha at the butchery, said with awe as he gazed at the movie’s poster.

"Come on! We cannot be late! Let's go. The movie is about to start."

CEO Seol Woo-don hastily directed his workers to their seats. 

"You really never know what will happen in your life… This feels weird."

CEO Seol Woo-don remembered the first time he met Kyu-ha. 

He had a typical buzz cut, appeared to be a high school student at first glance, and had come in asking for a job, claiming he could do anything.

Kyu-ha had impressed him as he spoke maturely and calmly for someone his age. 

He flatly refused at first because cutting meat is physically demanding and requires a strong stomach. It was harsh for even an adult to endure. 

But Kyu-ha responded calmly. 

"I understand that you cannot trust me now. Let me prove it to you."

He left that day without saying another word, but from the next day on, he didn't miss a day for the whole month, helping out with even the most minor tasks like picking up trash around the factory and cleaning toilets. 

CEO Seol Woo-don initially believed that Kyu-ha would resign once he grew weary. However, he had no choice but to accept him because the boy kept coming to work. 

So he called Kyu-ha again and asked why he wanted this job at such a young age.

"I just thought I'll be good at it, and I don't have parents, so I have to feed and fend for myself."

Seol Woo-don listened to Kyu-ha’s whole story on that day. It explained his mature attitude, and he felt sympathy for him. 

He paid Kyu-ha for the one month’s work and took him on as an employee, providing him with accommodation and meals in addition to his pay. 

Kyu-ha began to adapt faster than he expected, and by his third year, he had become the worker with the highest and most efficient techniques, making him the best employee. 

Seol Woo-don took Kyu-ha as his own, treating him as he would treat his child. It felt surreal that Kyu-ha invited them to this event after his hard work as an actor for the past year. At the same time, he was happy that Kyu-ha finally found something he liked. 

While he reminisced, the premiere began, and the cast entered, starting with the director and followed by Cha Kyung-seok, Jung Se-oh, Lee Seong-ku, and Song Kyu-ha. They briefly introduced themselves and their roles. 

"I would like to thank all the guests present at this event. I am Go Yo-han, director of 'In the Name of the Devil.’ The film portrays various individuals as demons, each with a unique history and a connected narrative. Also, you'll be able to appreciate the confident acting of the actors." 

After the short introduction, the film began. Silence filled the cinema, and the audience became immersed in its story. 

***

What on earth was a movie premiere for? 

It is mainly used to gauge the audience's reaction to the movie. Additionally, it can also form part of the movie’s promotion, or it can be an opportunity to re-edit, and so on.

On top of that, the most significant reason is that audiences no longer trust professional critics' ratings. 

There were many instances where audiences found a movie dreadfully dull, but critics gave it high scores, commenting on some kind of artistic value. As a result, people now rely more on online opinions shared via SNS and recommendations from close friends, both of which are influenced by viral marketing. 

So although they have a similar cost, one well-done movie premier can have a more significant effect than a recklessly done advertisement. 

The premiere of 'In the Name of the Devil' was one such premier.

Even after the movie ended and the ending credits were rolling, the audience could hardly escape its lingering effects, and they even heatedly discussed the film on their way out. 

The reactions were rapidly shared through SNS channels like Outstagram and Whitebook, turning the movie into a trending topic.

ㄴ I've been to the premiere of 'In the Name of the Devil.' Be sure to take your diaper. 

ㄴ Lol, I mean, the atmosphere is so creepy. It made my heart shrink. 

ㄴ That Jung Won-geun guy? His eyes and acting are just crazy. He looks normal, so it's even scarier. 

ㄴ Really! He was crazy! Who is he? Is he a rookie actor?

ㄴ He was in the 'Palace of the Blood Sea' recently. He was scary AF in that one too.

ㄴ Anyways, I recommend this film. Definitely watch it! Even twice!!

"It's amazing. We're still on the fifth day after its opening, and the audience record is over a million already! For an R-rated film, this is crazy!"

Kyu-ha visited the office of Stellar Entertainment, which he hadn't been to for a while. He smiled at Han Jeong-hee, who was talking to him so excitedly. 

"That’s a relief. It’s a nice start.”

“It’s not just nice. I’ll work with the PR team to post articles about you. With this kind of engagement, we estimate up to five million views. We’ll use this opportunity to introduce you to the world.”

“Thank you for your hard work. I appreciate you.”

“Ah! And I have a suggestion for you.”

“A suggestion? What is it?”

“Would you like to try a variety show?”

“A variety show?”

No one knew it would be a huge turning point for his acting career. 

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